Rooney Has England Record Firmly In His Sights

The striker is close to entering the international record books, with just four more goals needed for him to become the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer ahead of Bobby Charlton

Wayne Rooney says he hopes to break Bobby Charlton’s all-time scoring record for England “sooner rather than later”.

Rooney only requires four goals to become the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 50, which will see him eclipse Gary Lineker and Charlton – who are on 48 and 49 respectively – as England prepare to host Lithuania in Friday’s Euro 2016 Group E qualifier.

“Obviously I am close. It will be a fantastic moment for myself, a proud moment if I can do that,” the 29-year-old said, who will earn his 102nd cap for England at Wembley.

“Hopefully one day it will happen and sooner rather than later, I have to keep concentrating on what has got me to this position and try to do my best for the team and hopefully I can get goals along the way.”

Rooney and Charlton, who is a director at Manchester United, speak often, but the striker insists the pair do not discuss the England record.

“I speak to him quite regularly at the club especially after games. He’s a great for Manchester United and England. I don’t want to bring it up and say, ‘I’m close to beating it’. He always gives me great advice and I have great chats with him,” Rooney said.

“He comes in and speaks about the game. I speak to him about my game, certainly – when I was playing midfield.

“He was an attacking midfielder so he spoke to me a lot about my role there. He knows the game well and he gave me some advice.”